Although I never banked at this branch of
Lorain National Bank, located at the intersection of North Ridge Road (State Route 254) and Lake Avenue, I passed it many times on my way to Midway Oh Boy and Dog 'N Suds. I admired its architectural design.
Above is the ad announcing the impending Grand Opening of the branch. The ad ran in the Journal back on August 29, 1964.
Like many people, I felt somewhat wistful when Lorain National Bank was sold to Northwest Bank, and the 'Lorain' in its name disappeared forever. (I blogged about it here).
At least the branch was converted to a Northwest Bank branch. Here's a Google Maps view from 2019.
The branch's location, and modern consumer banking practices in general, probably led to its closing. With Midway Mall no longer a major destination, North Ridge Road not as heavily traveled as in the old days, and the convenience of online banking, there just weren't enough customers to keep it open. Eventually the building was for sale. Here's a 2021 shot from Google Maps.
And here's a 2023 view.
Happily, today the building is being used for its original purpose (rather than becoming a tattoo parlor or payday loan outlet) by
Buckeye Community Bank, who did a magnificent renovation of the property.
By the way, I don't bank there – but I'm really impressed that Buckeye made the commitment to the community by having their own building, and beautifying that intersection by relocating from the shopping center.
Here's
the story from earlier this year in the
Chronicle-Telegram. (I would link to the
Morning Journal more often,
but every time I try to access a story online, I'm told I reached my limit - which is apparently 0 articles per year.)
